INCO-NETs

International cooperation (INCO) is included in the Capacities specific programme of the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research. INCO serves as a bridge for the European Research Area (ERA) by linking different actors. The aim is to increase awareness and discussion between the EU and third countries by providing universities, research institutes and business companies with opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in the regions specifically defined in the work programmes.

INCO is aimed at increasing the participation of third countries in the EU Framework Programme and creating opportunities for European researchers to participate in research programmes and research funding provided by third countries.

One of the funding opportunities provided by INCO is the INCO-NET scheme (International Cooperation Network). INCO-NETs are designed to network European and third country actors in research. INCO-NETs also aim at promoting the participation of European researchers and researchers from third countries in joint projects.

In addition to INCO-NETs and international ERA-NETs, funding is provided within the INCO programmes to projects connected with bilateral activities (BILAT, EU-ACCESS).

The Academy of Finland and Finnish researchers are involved in the following three INCO-NETs:

EECA
EULARINET
CAAST